Sunday Inspirations October 18, 2009

I've had loads of ideas running through my head of possible inspiration posts for today, and had even thought to sit down last night to put some of my thoughts down, but could not as I felt it was necessary to wait. Wait until after church.

Now here I am...and I'm not sure what to write about! It's certainly not for a lack of subject matter. I had a wonderful time leading the children in song today in Primary, and getting ideas of what they'd all like to sing as well as games we can play to help them learn. I was officially released as Achievement Days leader, which I'm really quite a bit sad about as I loved doing activities with the young girls.

We listened to some incredible talks during our main church meeting, and I even heard snippets here and there while keeping my kids entertained and...kinda sorta quiet. Yet the one thing continually coming to my mind is something I didn't have any part of yesterday.

There's a man in our ward, in his early 40's, who was recently diagnosed with leukemia. Dave's been in and out of the hospital for several months now undergoing an intense regiment of chemotherapy. Something in his chromosonal makeup has him just a bit different, a little more childlike in his way of thinking and responding to the varied experiences of life. Just as he is hurt easily, little things can make him feel incredibly loved.

Yesterday my husband spent several hours with Dave, taking him on a little trip to do something special together. Dave loves to shoot, and has several guns of his own, so my hubby and he went to a shooting range together. It certainly made a long Saturday for me, but knowing what a gift such an adventure meant to Dave made any inconvenience worth it a billion times over.

This entire week has contained many moments of offering time to those in need. Whether to our children, to family, to friends, or ward members, we've had a lot asked of us. While I can't speak for my husband (though I know without a doubt he'd agree), for me it has been immensely fulfilling. And it won't stop with just this week. The next four days will be spent helping out those I love, and I'm eager to see how it all comes to pass.

I thoroughly believe we get the most out of our simple acts of love when we do so willingly - perhaps this is how Christ felt every time a precious child of God came to Him in need. Whether it was an arm to lean on, a shoulder to cry on, or an ear to listen, He was there. Not due to a sense of duty. Not because He felt like it was the right thing to do. He did everything for everyone for one simple reason: love. He loved us. He loved His Heavenly Father. He told us to help those in need to show our love for Him.

As we put into practice the idea of giving of ourselves to others because of love, we will find in ourselves great stores of energy, of increased abilities, not to mention a greater desire to serve those we love. More than this, our capability to love even those we may not know, or even those we might not get along with, will increase by droves.

If I could offer a challenge to you this week, I would ask that you look to those around you, really look to see if there is someone in need. But do not stop there. Instead of praying for someone else to help out those in need, be that someone! Yes at times it might seem scary, or inconvenient, or more than we can bear, but when we do the Lord's work, miracles happen. Doors are opened, time is found, and faith drives out any fear. Keep a prayer continually in your heart, and the path to helping out a precious child of God will be cleared.

I can testify to you of the truthfulness of this, as the way was cleared for me earlier this week. I am beyond grateful to my loving Father and Brother for allowing me to be an arm to lean on, a shoulder to cry on, and an ear to listen.